In my life time I have been
through cancer twice and spent 10 year dealing with it and its effects, but I
am still standing here. I am lucky. I call the time spent dealing with
cancer as being in Cancer World.
Unfortunately, ever day new people are thrown into this world, floundering
trying to figure out what has happened. It is this reason that my mother started
a nonprofit called The Wishing Rock Project. This is a small, but growing group
of people reaching out to families, at Seattle Children’s Hospital, whose child
have been touched by cancer and whose families are struggling to survive being
part of Cancer World. We create and deliver bags filled will essential and
special items that might help as the new families begin their pain staking
battle. We found the items really
helpful and while the collection is sort of weird on the surface, each item has
a deep meaning.
My mother has been delivering
the bags, but I knew I should be the one delivering so that the parents can see
that surviving is possible. Despite my knowing what was right, I was terrified
because I wasn’t sure how seeing a child in the same position I was in just 2
and 3 years before was going to affect me or how many bad memories it would
bring back. I finally summoned up the courage to deliver a bag to a
family that had been in contact with Wishing Rock. I arrived and introduced myself to
the parents and the look of hope on their faces when they saw me
will stay with me forever. I talked with the mother sharing my wisdom of what
to expect and answering questions on how to deal with various situations that
might arise. The healing power of Honey Nut Cheerio, Metro Mint Water and
cheese cake can never be under estimated.
I also sat down with the 6 year
old girl and told her despite how yucky she felt right now, things will be
better. Showing this family that there is a light at the end of the darkness
was the best feeling I have ever had. I learned I was strong enough to help others
in the same situation I had been in and make their scary situation a little
less scary. I now deliver bags when I am able and do not plan on stopping
anytime soon.
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